The 63rd Annual Monaco Red Cross Ball is an event that many, especially royal watchers, look forward to each year and this season will be one to remember.  Why?  Well, it will be H.S.H. Princess Charlene’s first regal event as an official member of the princely family of Monaco.  Though it is highly unlikely, but I would be a fantastic time for the princess to wear the lovely Océan Tiara by Van Cleef & Arpels.

Anyway, the ball will be held tomorrow, August 5, at the Sporting d’Eté Club in the Salle des Etoiles with a special performance from Joe Cocker (the dude who sings the theme song from The Wonder Years television show).  Also, there will be an “…elegantly prepared meal…” and fireworks at the end of the evening.

Overall, the Monaco Red Cross Ball is a great event that raises money for various charities and anyone who is everyone attends this gala event.

Sources: Riviera Review, Riviera Times and Visit Monaco

On August 3, 2011, Their Serene Highnesses Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco visited the exhibit, Fastes et Grandeur des Cours en Europe (Magnificence and Grandeur of the Royal Houses in Europe), in Monte-Carlo, Monaco this afternoon.

This special exhibit, held at the Grimaldi Forum:

… provide[s] visitors with a unique glimpse into the imperial homes of Europe’s most powerful and respected leaders and couples.

Never before seen as a collection, more than 600 artifacts will be on display within 2,500 square meters, providing a true ‘tour of Europe,’ which will allow visitors to explore the lives, roles and passions of personalities and couples who have marked the history of their dynasties and their countries. (source)

Royal houses represented include Denmark, Spain, Luxembourg, Sweden, Norway, Belgium and much much more.  To learn more about Fastes et Grandeur des Cours en Europe please visit the official website for the Grimaldi Forum here.  

To view photos from today’s event please click here.  

Fresh from their brief holiday in Antiparos, Greece, Their Serene Highnesses Princess Charlene and Prince Albert II of Monaco, hosted an official visit for the “… Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, Fra’ Matthew Festing on July 31, 2011.”  

According to the official site for the princely family of Monaco, Mr. Festing was:

…welcomed at 11.15 am at the Palais Princier de Monaco by H.S.H. Prince Albert II, H.E. Mr Michel Roger, Minister of State and Colonel Luc Fringant, Chamberlain.

[Mr. Festing] received military honors,  and a mass was celebrated led by H.E. Mr Bernard Barsi, Archbishop of Monaco and Canon César Penzo in the Palace chapel.

At 12.15 pm, H.S.H. the Prince granted an audience to H.M.E.H. Fra’ Matthew Festing. After, the Grand Master named H.S.H. the Prince as an ‘Honorary Bailiff Grand Cross’. The Sovereign and H.M.E.H. Fra’ Matthew Festing then had a working lunch in the residence of the Minister of State.

At 9.30 pm, H.M.E.H. Fra’ Matthew Festing, the Prince and Princess Charlene attended a benefit concert for the charitable organisations of the Order of Malta in the Prince’s Lodge of the Main Courtyard.

There was also lovely dinner at the Palais Princier de Monaco in honor of Fra’ Matthew Festing’s visit to the tiny principality that evening.

To view photos please click the links here and here.

Source: Palais Princier de Monaco

Photo courtesy of: Palais.mc

Just one day after filing a lawsuit against the French newspaper, L’Express, for invasion of privacy and spreading false rumors, the princely couple of Monaco were already on holiday in the Greek Islands.

According to the online newspaper, Greek Reporter, Princess Charlene and Prince Albert II visited Antiparos, Greece to simply, well, chill, “They enjoyed walks along the amazing beaches of Antiparos and were polite to all on-looking admirers.” (source)

South African journalist, Clyde Meela, confirms the couple’s holiday in Greece in his latest article.  Apparently, the beautiful princess sent Mr. Meela an Email last Friday evening whereupon she noted, “…we are off to cruise the Greek Islands tomorrow for a couple of days…”

Fabulous.

The next event for Their Serene Highnesses Princess Charlene and Prince Albert II of Monaco will be the Monaco Red Cross Ball.

To read the article by Mr. Clyde Meela please click the link here. 

To learn more about the island of Antiparos please click here.

Source: The Greek Reporter and BCT

Well, it happened.  Their Serene Highnesses Princess Charlene and Prince Albert II of Monaco went ahead and decided to sue the French newspaper, L’Express.

Per AFP news via ABC news:

Monaco’s Prince Albert II and his new wife Charlene have filed a suit against a French magazine they claim spread false rumours of discord ahead of their wedding this month, their lawyer confirmed.

Summons were filed against L’Express magazine at a court in Nanterre, west of Paris, for invasion of privacy and publishing ‘incorrect facts about their private life,’ lawyer Thierry Lacoste told AFP.

The magazine declined comment.

Despite the drama that continues to swirl around Their Serene Highnesses Princess Charlene and Prince Albert II of Monaco the couple once again stepped out together this afternoon to attend the 2011 Herculis International Athletics Competition at the Stade Louis II in Monaco.  This world-class event brought out the best of the best in track and field including Allyson Felix, David Rudisha, and Usain Bolt.

To learn more about this event please click the link here.  To view photos please click here.